All aboard the angst train!

Disclaimer: I do not own Soul Eater.

"She doesn't want any visitors." Nygus told me after stepping out into the hall.

"Was she hurt?" I asked her, hoping she could at least tell me that. Even after finding out it wasn't her blood I didn't want to take any chances.

She shook her head, "No, not at all, but she still doesn't want to leave the infirmary."

"Why?" Liz asked, though I already knew the answer.

"I'm assuming that she doesn't want to be reminded of her loss. If she goes to class or back to her dorm... it would only be more apparent." Nygus' eyes lowered, "I've never seen her so... hopeless."

About half way to DWMA she had stopped sobbing, but she was a zombie the rest of the way there. She wouldn't speak, she didn't want to move; when I motioned to put her down she clung to me and wouldn't let go. I ended up taking her up to the infirmary and into bed, and yet she still didn't say a word to me as I left. "Just give her time." I turned to leave, and though Liz and Patti hesitated, they ended up following.

"Do you think she'll be okay, Kiddo-kun?" Patti asked as she sniffed, still not over what had happened. I could tell Liz was fighting back tears as well.

"I don't know." I said, knowing they knew about her previous partner before Char. "She was heavily traumatized when Kaori died; what happened today I'm sure only brought back the memories she's tried to repress. She's a strong girl, but there's only so much someone can handle." I paused, unable to help the hurt in my chest at my inability to help her in this situation. She knew this too, that's why she didn't want me to see her. "With time, though, I'm sure she'll be fine."

"I-" Patti's eyes threatened tears and Liz put an arm over her shoulder, "I can't believe Char is dead..."

I lowered my eyes to the ground as I walked. She died with Patti next to her; her body sliced open like an animal. Damn you, Noah...

We made our way to Father's office, knowing he'd want to hear how she was doing, though I wouldn't have much to give him. I wish she could've let me speak to her at least. All I wanted was to hear her voice; to get the sound of her sobs out of my head and touch her hands like we did before all of this happened. I didn't care about that night we kissed anymore. I just wanted her to be okay.

"Kiddo, Liz, Patti." Father greeted as we entered, the sadness apparent in his otherwise jolly tone. "How is she?"

"She's not harmed but she didn't want anybody seeing her." I answered.

"Yes. I can imagine." Father lowered his head for a moment before looking back at us. "We've contacted Char's family and they are making the arrangements for her funeral. They are deeply saddened of course, but understand that this is the risk that one takes in joining the Academy. They don't blame Kuro, thankfully."

"That's good to hear," I said, "Have you heard from Maka and Soul? I know Maka took it hard."

"Yes. According to Soul, she's doing a little better. BlackStar and Tsubaki have been informed about this as well."

I nodded, "So what should be done now?"

"After finding out from the Elementals that this was Noah's doing, we've prioritized our search for his new base. When we first received coordinates from Kuro awhile back, we went to do a reconnaissance mission, but were met with nothing but an empty shell of a fortress. Noah must've realized it was time to move house when he found out Kuro was our ally. Until then, though, we could try to find Kuro another Weapon partner."

I shook my head, "I don't believe she would agree with that. Not after this."

"Maybe Kuro could train more instead. She may not need a partner once she can use her abilities to the fullest." Liz suggested, still keeping a sniveling Patti close.

Father rose a finger to his chin in thought, "That also brings up the issue of her training and it attracting danger. We need to find a way to hide her."

I didn't realize Dr. Stein was in the same room until he said something. My mind was in tons of different places. "Or she may actually have to leave; at least, until she's properly trained."

I shook my head. Remembering the discussion he and I had in the classroom a few days ago made me clench my fists in frustration. "I don't-"

Father rose a hand to stop me, "It's something to think about, but she's an important asset to have in the fight against Noah and we can't just kick her out. If we can't find a way for her to remain here then we will address that option. However, if she does decide to leave with them, we will allow her. Is that clear?"

I knew the last part was for me. I nodded, even though if that time came I wasn't sure if I'd be able to let her go. "As crystal, Father." I said, and made my way out.

"Are you sure about this?" Adria asked me, sitting on the windowsill in the infirmary. Dominic was sitting on a floating rock outside close by, watching the night sky silently.

I nodded, "We're leaving. As soon as possible."

Adria eyed me warily before sighing and hopping off, landing on her feet beside the cot while Dominic finally turned our way and hopped off the rock to take her spot on the sill. She sat down on the edge of the bed and was silent for a few moments. My eyes were planted to the white sheets but I could tell she was looking at me. "I know you don't want to."

"It's not about what I want."

"We can figure out something."

"I lost someone today." I let that sink in, but not into her. Only now do I understand what happened. Char had turned human as soon as she hit the ground and dove in front of me. I didn't realize what she had done at the time because I was in so much shock. I swallowed the lump in my throat and clenched my teeth, not wanting to cry right now. "You were the person who told me it was best to leave, right? So if we don't leave, I'm leaving by myself."

"Oh, really?" I heard Dominic, "And what if you get attacked, hm?"

I finally looked up at them, my frustration growing. "Why are you guys arguing with me?"

"We really weren't expecting to leave so suddenly. Maybe after a few weeks or so. It's been kind of nice here..." Adria trailed off, "Look, we can find another place to train outside city limits. We don't have to leave so soon."

"No. I don't want to risk it. What if this happens again? What if..." I bit my lip and looked away. "I don't want to lose anyone again."

There was silence for a few long moments. I understood that they knew what loss was too, but it should only make them understand me more. Then again, these weren't their friends. "She's right." Dominic's voice pulled me out of my head, "It's better if we leave."

"But Dominic-"

"Don't be stupid. You're acting like that Shinigami."

"Shut up." I narrowed my eyes at him only to receive an unfazed look back.

"We'll meet at the city limits at midnight." He motioned to Adria for them to leave, "You've got two days."

I spent one more day in the infirmary. I hadn't been eating and barely slept since I got there. Nygus voiced her concerns but I couldn't bring myself to do much of anything. Whenever I did sleep I woke up screaming the names of my past partners, depending on the dream. Sometimes the role reversed and Kaori would die the way Char did and vice versa. I woke up the morning of the second day screaming again, only to erupt in tears seconds later. It took months for the nightmares I had of Kaori to go away, but now that this happened I'm unable to escape again. I just wanted to forget.

When I got a hold of myself I got out of bed. Nygus hadn't come in to start the day yet and I was alone, so I took this time to wash up and prepare myself to go back to my dorm to pack. I lifted the overnight bag I had onto my shoulder and felt a pain in my chest. Kid brought the bag for me. I'm sure Liz and Patti packed it for him - I couldn't imagine him packing my underwear - but it made me hurt to think about what he must have felt when Nygus told him I didn't want to see anybody; not even him. He was the reason for my hesitating in the first place, it would only make it harder for me to leave if I saw him. I hadn't planned on telling anybody, but as I left and I reached Shinigami-sama's office I decided that at least telling him would be the right thing to do.

When I went inside, I felt like he had been expecting me. He was already facing the doorway. "You don't look well." was what he said in greeting.

I smiled halfheartedly, "I've been better." This was the first time since I arrived at DWMA that I stood in front of him alone. The thought made me attempt to clear my throat. "Um," I began dumbly, lowering my head to try to keep myself together.

"You're leaving." he said before I could get anything out, "I know. I was expecting this."

I looked up, "You're fine with it?"

"In the end it's your decision." he paused a moment before adding, "Of course I'd like you to come back, eventually. Though I'm sure you already have that in mind."

Instead of responding to his comments, I decided to touch on something else, "Please don't tell anybody; at least, not now. Wait a couple of days until I'm far away. I don't want anybody coming for me-"

"You mean Kid?" When I didn't reply, he continued, "I won't say a word. I'll let Nygus know to say you're still in the infirmary until I tell them the truth, but promise you won't be gone too long. Kid will... well, Kid will be waiting for you."

I took me awhile to speak through the lump in my throat, but I managed to say, "Yes, sir," before bowing once more, "I will come back."

I turned and left, making my way out of the Academy and back to the dorm. It was still early morning when I left, and I wondered what I'd do until it was time to meet Adria and Dominic. I decided to get the packing over with first. Once I got to the dorm I didn't stop, I kept my mind focused on what I was doing, trying my hardest not think about this dorm and the movie nights she and I had and the messes we made trying to bake stupid cupcakes. It was no use though; as I stuffed the last thing in my bag there were tears rolling down my face.

"Char, you really should do your homework."

"Yeah, yeah, I'll get to it!"

I found myself at the entrance of her bedroom and remembered how she'd say that over the roar of her video games. I pictured her sitting on the carpet with her eyes glued to the TV and how I'd sit down on her bed and watch her play while I studied. At some point I just decided to lay down in her bed and hug the pillow to me, completely exhausted. Tears pricked at my eyes again when I noticed everything still smelled like her; cinnamon. I fell asleep crying, wondering how I could have let this happen again.

When I woke up it was dark outside. I sat up quickly and looked at the time, thankful that I hadn't woken up too late. I rubbed what tears I had left from my eyes and got out of bed, grateful that I could get some decent rest before leaving. I turned to exit the room when something caught my eye; a small golden ring. She told me it was something her grandmother had gotten her as a child before she died, but it was too small for her to wear. Without thinking I took it from the small box it was in and searched the place for a chain. In a couple of minutes I was wearing it as a pendant. I held it in my hand and gazed at it for a few moments before tucking it under my shirt. At least in this way she would always be with me.

With my bag on my shoulder I took one last look around the dorm before shutting the front door behind me. I knew I would still be early at this rate. I would be meeting them at the city limits at midnight and it was only about nine thirty, but maybe if I walked slow it would take a little longer. In the end, I got there thirty minutes early, but to my surprise they were already there. "We figured with how eager you were you'd be on your way." Adria answered after I asked why they were here.

"You ready?" Dominic asked, turning away from us with his own bag on his shoulders.

I nodded, tightening my grip on the strap of mine. It suddenly felt so heavy. I looked behind me at the city lights and exhaled a shaky breath.

I will come back.

The air shifted around Adria and lifted her off the ground while Dominic's rock helped him up. He held his hand out to me and I hesitated for a moment before taking it.

I will.

End of Chapter XXVI

Thanks for reading!